Spread the love

Craving comfort without the carbs? Cheesy Cauliflower Rice is your go-to Creamy Veggie Rice dish, blending tender riced cauliflower with a luscious cheddar-parmesan sauce. Perfect for keto, gluten-free, or veggie-packed meals, this skillet recipe is quick, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Ready in just 20 minutes, Cheesy Cauliflower Rice is ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Let’s whip up this guilt-free, golden delight!

Ingredients for Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

Here’s what you’ll need for Cheesy Cauliflower Rice (serves 4):

For the Dish:

4 cups (400g) riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
½ small onion (50g), diced
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp (3g) salt
¼ tsp (0.5g) black pepper
¼ tsp (0.5g) paprika
2 tbsp (5g) fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife

Ingredient Tips

Cauliflower: Fresh or frozen riced cauliflower works for Creamy Veggie Rice; drain frozen to avoid sogginess.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar and Parmesan create a rich Cheesy Cauliflower Rice sauce.
Cream: Heavy cream ensures a luxurious texture; use full-fat for best results.
Butter: Adds depth to the sautéed base.
Paprika: Enhances color and flavor with a smoky touch.

Directions for Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, I melt 2 tbsp butter and cook ½ diced onion until soft, about 3 minutes. I add 1 minced garlic clove, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant for Creamy Veggie Rice.

Cook Cauliflower

I stir in 4 cups riced cauliflower, cooking for 5–7 minutes until tender and any moisture evaporates, ensuring a fluffy texture for Cheesy Cauliflower Rice.

Add Cream and Cheese

I lower the heat and pour in ½ cup heavy cream, stirring to coat. I add 1 cup shredded cheddar and ¼ cup Parmesan, stirring until melted into a silky sauce for Cheesy Cauliflower Rice.

Season and Finish

I season with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and ¼ tsp paprika, stirring to combine. I remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped parsley (if using).

Serve

I serve the Cheesy Cauliflower Rice hot, straight from the skillet, for maximum creaminess.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 (about 1 cup/200g per serving)
Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 8g carbs, 7g protein, 22g fat, 3g fiber

Variations

Bacon Boost: Add ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky Creamy Veggie Rice.
Vegan: Use plant-based cream and cheese for a dairy-free version.
Spicy: Include ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for heat.
Veggie Mix: Stir in ½ cup sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers.
Protein-Packed: Add 1 cup shredded chicken, inspired by Layla Cooks’ Broccoli Rice Casserole.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh side.
Serve with Layla Cooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a cozy meal.
Offer with Layla Cooks’ Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken for a hearty dinner.

Storage

I store Cheesy Cauliflower Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, I cool it, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 1 month. I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring to maintain creaminess.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Cheesy Cauliflower Rice in colorful bowls for a vibrant Creamy Veggie Rice.
Garnish: Sprinkle with parsley, extra Parmesan, or crumbled bacon for flair.
Pairing: Enjoy with grilled steak, roasted veggies, or Layla Cooks’ Coconut Cooler for a complete meal.
Portion Size: 1 cup for a side; 1.5–2 cups for a main.
Occasions: Perfect for weeknights, keto meals, or casual gatherings.

FAQs

Can I use frozen riced cauliflower for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen riced cauliflower is not only convenient, it works beautifully for Cheesy Cauliflower Rice. Just be sure to cook it until most of the extra moisture evaporates for the best texture.

Which cheese melts best in this dish?
Sharp cheddar gives you the classic cheesy flavor and melty texture here, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyere for a unique twist. Just be sure to shred it yourself for the smoothest results.

Is Cheesy Cauliflower Rice keto-friendly?
Yes, this dish is wonderfully low in carbs and high in fat, making it perfect for keto diets or anyone wanting a lighter alternative to traditional cheesy rice sides.

Can I add other vegetables or proteins?
Definitely! Mix in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and heartiness. You can even stir through some rotisserie chicken for a one-pan meal!

How do I prevent my cauliflower rice from getting soggy?
Keeping the heat at medium and allowing time for the moisture to evaporate before adding the cream and cheeses is key. Stirring occasionally and not overcrowding the pan also help keep things fluffy and tender.

Conclusion

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for keto, gluten-free, or veggie-packed meals. Quick and customizable, this Creamy Veggie Rice brings warmth to any table. Make Cheesy Cauliflower Rice, share with friends, and savor the cheesy goodness!